In a significant turn of events, an Alabama death row inmate is seeking a meeting with Governor Kay Ivey prior to his scheduled execution. Anthony Boyd, aged 53, faces execution by nitrogen hypoxia for the 1993 burning murder of Gregory Huguley in Talladega County.
Details of the Case
Boyd was convicted of capital murder after prosecutors claimed Huguley was burned alive over a $200 drug debt. The crime occurred when Boyd allegedly participated in the kidnapping of Huguley and was involved in the heinous act of setting him on fire.
Boyd has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. He urged Governor Ivey to engage in a discussion with him, stating, “Before an innocent man is executed, come sit down with me and have a conversation.” His request was made public during a news conference organized by the Execution Intervention Project, accompanied by his spiritual adviser, Rev. Jeff Hood.
Governor’s Response
Mike Lewis, a spokesman for Governor Ivey, emphasized that the governor reviews each execution case thoroughly. However, he stated that no recent court filings have questioned Boyd’s guilt, nor had there been a clemency submission advocating for him. Lewis described Boyd’s request for a personal meeting as “unworkable.”
The Crime and Trial
- Victim: Gregory Huguley
- Date of Crime: August 1, 1993
- Location: Talladega County, Alabama
- Conviction: Capital murder
- Jury Recommendation: 10-2 for the death sentence
During the trial, a witness testified that Boyd taped Huguley’s feet before he was set ablaze. Meanwhile, Boyd’s defense presented alibi witnesses who claimed he was not at the scene of the crime, but at a birthday party and then a hotel with his girlfriend that night.
Upcoming Execution and Controversy
Boyd is set to be executed on Thursday evening using nitrogen hypoxia, a method recently adopted by Alabama. This approach, which causes asphyxiation through the inhalation of pure nitrogen, has been met with criticism from various quarters, who argue it may lead to undue suffering. Boyd’s attorneys have challenged this method in federal court, but their requests for a stay were denied.
Boyd has previously expressed a preference for alternative execution methods, including the firing squad or hanging, asserting that nitrogen hypoxia might be unconstitutionally cruel.
Future Implications
As Boyd’s execution date approaches, the debate surrounding his innocence and the execution method continues to garner attention. The focus remains on the legal proceedings and the moral implications that surround capital punishment in Alabama.
